The 10 Best Hard Rock/ Metal Songs to Listen to in a Blizzard

If you, like I, live in the East Coast, then you are seeing this shitty snow storm that we are getting.  With most transport dead or running really fucking bad, most of us are stuck inside. As much as this type of weather sucks, it has inspired some cool metal music. The following is a list of the 10 best songs to listen to in this awful snow. I kept it to one per band, otherwise, they would all be Immortal songs. Enjoy!

10. GWAR- "Pure as the Arctic Snow"- Hey, if your band's origin states that you come from the freezing world of Antarctica then you know you're gonna make this list! This is a fun, catchy, and punky little tune.

9. Autopsy- "In the Grip of Winter"- Slow, crunchy death metal song from these pioneering masters of the sub-genre. This one feels like blocks of ice that pelt your face hard, until your fucking skull caves in.

8. AC/DC- "Black Ice"- Actual black ice genuinely fucking sucks. This song, however, does not. A badass title track from this AC/DC album, it combines a great groove with ass kicking blues. The result is a great headbanger of a good time!

 

7. Trivium- "Silence in the Snow"- Melodic and catchy title track from the most recent Trivium album has the usual phenomenal musicianship this band is known for. Cool video, too!

6. Betray The Martyrs- ''Let It Go''- Totally ass kicking, metalcore cover of the most popular song off of the overrated Disney flick Frozen. Betray The Martyrs makes you want to get into the pit with this or possibly mosh in the snow.
Added bonus: If you moshed in the snow right now, there would probably be no one to think you are insane for doing so! Go do that shit, right now!

5. Dissection- "Frozen''- This song from black metal masters Dissection feels bitterly cold and distant. It bleeds a dark, evil, and lonely feel with melodic-ism and heaviness.

4. Accept- "Winter Dreams"- Arguably the most beautiful song on here, this underrated Accept ballad has a haunting and heart and soul felt feel that makes it one of the best tracks to listen on a frozen, winter night.

3. Metallica- "Trapped Under Ice"- From Metallica's second, and second best, album comes this lightning (pun not intended) fast all out assault on senses. This thrash metal classic almost topped this list, but honestly only two other bands could have done that.

 

2. Abbath- "Winter Bane"- When former Immortal frontman Abbath had his solo project you knew that there would be some songs about the cold and snow. This single off of the self-titled debut album highlights all that is awesome about one of last year's best albums. Thundering yet catchy black metal at it's fucking best and coldest!

 

1. Immortal- "In My Kingdom Cold''- Oh come on, you knew an Immortal song would be number one! Or at least you should've known! It was just a matter of which song from one of the best black metal bands ever would be chosen. In the end, I picked this blast(beat) of cold air. This IS the definitive blizzard/ snow storm/ winter nor'easter song!

What songs would add to this list? And, to those of you stuck in this craptastic weather, stay warm, safe, and metal!

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Gruesome- Dimensions of Horror (Album Review)

Musician: Gruesome
Album Title: Dimensions Of Horror
Genre/ Subgenre: Death metal
Label: Relapse
Release Date: May 20, 2016

Gruesome sound and play death metal that is a love letter and tribute to the early sound of the fathers of the genre, Death. They made their debut in 2015 with Savage Land. They're back this year with the what is one of the best EPs I have heard thus far in 2016.

They present that Death love right from the get go. The driving and pounding drums by Gus Rios make for a frontal attack you won't soon forget. They're accompanied by Robin Mazen's bass to give the album a thick and heavy sound, throughout. The guitars by Daniel Gonzalez and Matt Harvey (who also does the vocals) are alternately soaring and crunching. It's all played with a ferocity and technicality that old-school death metal fans will eat up. Harvey's aforementioned vocals are the right mix of anger, gruff, and growl, yet clear enough to get at least some of the gory images the band seems to love.

That love of gore, death, and horror imagery abound in the killer songs. The full force attack of "Raped by Darkness" is all about Sam Raimi's classic Evil Dead. Other standout tracks include the opener "Forces of Death", the title track "Dimensions of Horror" (the gory video, of which, you can see below) and the crunch and drive of "Hellbound". The finishing touches of old-school Death love is the fucking kick ass cover done by Ed Repka, who has worked on covers for not just just Death but Massacre, Atheist, and Megadeth, as well. By the way, do you realize that the zombie is reading from the Necronomicon?! Ash (Evil Dead hero) might need to find him and kick his ass!

If you love this type of music and long for the days like it, then Dimensions of Horror is for you. It will sedate your hunger for it. They only problem I can see is that you'll want more. Well, we'll just have to eagerly await their next full release for that now, won't we?

* * * * out of  * * * * * 

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Conquer Divide- Conquer Divide (Album Review)

Musician: Conquer Divide
Album Title: Conquer Divide
Genre/ Subgenre: Metalcore
Label: Artery Recordings 
Release Date: June 16, 2015

The self-titled debut album from all female metalcore group Conquer Divide is a catchy little bit of groove laden music. They worked with producer/ engineer Joey (Asking Alexandria, Blessthefall, Of Mice & Men) Sturgis, who really helped them catch a great sound on the album. The result is that it ranked in at #13 on the Billboard’s HeatSeeker charts.

The band does the duel vocal thing quite well. The melody filled signing parts are handled excellently by Kiarely Castillo. She has a great voice that is filled with emotion and not only recalls but rival's that of Paremore's Haley Williams. While, the screaming bits are aggressive and play a nice counterpart. The music is filled with hooks and rolling breakdowns which help to make the music really enjoyable and fun to listen to. 

In fact, I think the band is great at playing the melodic and more soothing against the heavier and more pounding parts. I do wish the bass was mixed in a little thicker but the do guitars sound great. They soar and crunch quite nicely. The catchy songs definitely make you wanna move and bang your head, and sometimes that's all one can ask for. 

Highlight songs including the rolling and melodic "Self Destruct" which plays the melody versus heavy aspect of the band excellently. The breakdowns are particularity kick ass on this one. "Nightmares" has a great and soaring intro that goes full steam in pounding heaviness. I love how Castillo's beautiful vocals play so well against the overall crunch of the song. Throw in some chainsaw guitar sounds and you have a real winner. Proving that the band is also quite good at keeping melodic throughout one song, the beautiful and emotion filled "What's Left Inside" (the latest single from the band) really ranks as one the best tracks on the entire album. The catchy chorus will be stuck in your head for days on end.

Conquer Divide's debut does not not break any real ground. But, what they do, they do quite well. Great signing and an awesome heavy vs. melodic sound, will makes this an album you'll want to listen to a lot. And, more than probably you'll also end up signing along to it. I know I have been both since I heard it. 

***1/2 out of *****

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Conquer Divide Premiere new Music Video/Single on Revolver Magazine

I just watched the new video, "What's Left Behind" from all female metalcore group Conquer Divide from their self-titled, debut album released by Artery Recordings. And, I gotta say I love the song and video! The track is emotional, catchy, and driving and the video is powerful. It made it's premiere today at Revolver Magazine's website (the link to the video is below)

From the Artery Recordings Press Release:


Conquer Divide

Conquer Divide
Artery Recordings
16 June 2015
  Conquer Divide release new single "What's left Inside" on Artery Recordings, premiering the new music video on Revolver Magazine here. Based in the United States and England, Conquer Divide (For Fans of Asking Alexandra, Flyleaf, Pvris) have made a name for themselves with their catchy hooks, and their ability to quickly embarrass guys who don't think girls can play.

The six-member all female band (consisting of Kiarely Castillo, Janel Duarte, Kristen Woutersz, Isabel “Izzy” Johnson, Tamara Tadic and Ashley Colby) has managed to capture the attention and gain the respect from their ever growing fan base and critics alike. Over the past three years, the band have toured with Alesana, Slaves, Iwrestledabearonce, Upon A Burning Body with multiple featured showcases at SXSW.

In their recently released self-titled album, Conquer Divide was pushed to their limits and thought outside the box as they worked with gold record producer/engineer Joey Sturgis (Asking Alexandria, Blessthefall, Of Mice & Men). As a result of a stellar album and allot of hardwork, Their debut album “Conquer Divide” ranked #13 on Billboard’s HeatSeeker charts.

To date, the band have released videos for “At War” and “Nightmare” acquiring a million plus views, along side single "Sink Your Teeth Into This" featuring Denis Stoff of Asking Alexandria which garnished praise from critics and skeptics alike.

Conquer Divide is set to hit the air waves with a very personal single “What’s Left Inside.” Kristen describe the song to be “cathartic,” and hopes to motivate fans to turn a negative situation into something positive.

Conquer Divide is excited to release their new single/music video and ready to prove they can hang with the best of them. Be sure to keep your eye on Conquer Divide as they are primed and ready to take the music industry by storm.

And, keep your eyes here, as my review of this album will be up soon!

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Animality's Brutal and Bloody Video for "Blood Spattered Brain Matter"

I recently discovered Nashville death metal act Animality via their Twitter. And, I REALLY liked what I heard! Their Twitter described their sound as "for fans of Cannibal Corpse, Suicide Silence, Whitechapel, and Thy Art Is Murder" That perfectly sums them up! They are brutal but with great crunching hooks.

From their web bio:

Since 2010 Animality has been paying their dues in the metal game. Playing shows and writing gut wrenching tunes like there is no tomorrow. Deathmetal as brutal as the old school ripping through today's music scene with a modern edge. The release of the first album "Species" has gotten many raving reviews on the absolute brutality, from such bands as Enfold Darkness and Wretched. Bringing forth an upcoming sophomore album, this beast is an unstoppable force of metal mayhem at its finest.

Animality is Brian Roberts and Luke Cobb shredding the masses on guitar, James Blue wielding the low end on bass, Spencer Moore slamming down seemingly prequantized hits on drums and Sam Schneider spitting manic energy as vocalist. These 5 bring a whole new realm of intensity to the metal world. Engaged in many soon to be released projects, this kraken is taking everything by storm.

The video to "Blood Spattered Brain Matter" is fucking awesome!! Filled with gore and splatter, this the prefect accompaniment to this savage track off of their 2015 EP, which you can get at the band's Bandcamp page: https://animalityband.bandcamp.com/
You can watch the video below:


A reminder: If you live in the continental US, don't forget to enter my Contemporary Krampus book contest: http://themastergio.blogspot.com/2015/11/contemporary-krampus-review-and-contest.html

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My Rock Spotlight on: Stitched Up Heart

 

Time for me to pick another band that I think you should be listening to. This week, I am going with gothy post-hardcore/ alt metal band Stitched Up Heart.

This band was born from the ashes of four different bands: Mixi, High Risk, Never Like The Movies, and Sexual Harassment and their members; Mixi, Mikey, Andrew, Nikki, and Dave. Together they formed Stitched Up Heart on Oct. 2010. Fitting that the band was born on this month, since goth and horror imagery do play a part in their kick ass music, image, and look.

I really like their genre bending sound, as it is an addictive mix of a hardcore groove, metal, punk, and pop, all done in a catchy and fun manner, that is very pleasing to your ears and totally kicks your ass.

 
It's all fronted by a charismatic and gorgeous singer in Mixi. I actually first heard about this band via her continuous appearances in Revolver's Hottest Chicks in Hard Rock. Mixi has a great clean signing voice that carries and adds that extra catchy hook to their music. But, she also has an awesome metal scream with a hardcore edge that adds to the heaviness with an aggressive punch.

Mixi is not just notable for her breath-taking beauty and amazing vocal talents but for her look as well. She has long, wild hair, that she has worn in different styles. And, has changed it's color many times, be it blue, purple, black, blonde, or some mix of different colors. But, no matter what color it is, she always looks so beautiful! She also happens to have some cool ink!

In the six years the band has only gotten better. They have tightened their sound and gotten heavier while still be able to keep their memorable pop hooks.

Here are some videos, so you can hear their awesomeness for yourself. This first video is actually the first song that I ever heard from the band.

The next two songs are from their latest EP, Skeleton Key, which came out last year. I only got last month, though. But, I just can't stop listening to it! The music is catchy and kick ass, a great mix of fun and aggressiveness, with just the right amount of darkness to give it some edge. The musicianship is tight, and Mixi is fucking awesome, of course. This is the first single, which is actually the last song on the album. The video is pretty cool, and she looks beautiful in it!

The latest single of off that EP, "Frankenstein" is, coincidentally, the album's opener. It's one of the best songs on the album (if you are curious, my favorite track on it is the 3rd one "Marionette" which has some really fuckin cool lyrics to go with killer music), one that gets better with each listening. I also really like her screaming in it, the mini breakdown at the end, and little touches of horror lyrics.

If you want to learn more about Stitched Up Heart go to:
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StitchedUpHeartRock
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/stitchdupheart

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New Years Day- Epidemic

 

Musician: New Years Day
Album Title: Epidemic
Genre/ Subgenre: Alternative Rock/ Post-hardcore
Label: Grey Area Records

First and foremost, I don't think I have reviewed an album on this site, since this blog's earliest days. But, with me covering more and more of the metal/ hard rock scene, I figured going back to music reviews might be fun and helpful to some of my readers.

For those not in the know, New Years Day is an alternative rock band with a look and style that definitely leads towards to the gothic, dark, and horror-centric. In fact, they describe their sound as "haunted housecore".

Anyways, I love the sound the band has precured since moving away from the their more poppy sounding debut, My Dear. This awesome EP, Epidemic, continues that harder sound. It's their first album released by Grey Area Records, since they have parted ways with Century Media.

This one continues the sound and style of their second full length album Victims and Villains. Epidemic is only five songs long, but every song is good, with a couple, being downright excellent! The album opens with the fun "Joker", though that is honestly my least favorite track on it. But, from there it goes to even better "Other Side", and then enters the last three songs, which are the album's true highlights. They mix a good rocking sound with some dark imagery and lyrics, all of which are delivered excellently by the band's beautiful frontwoman Ash Costello.She has a good voice that is perfectly apt at carrying a melody ad bring out the right emotion for each track.

The first video off of the album is "Defame Me" which is a catchy and darkly seductive track. The song has a cool and haunting electronic intro, and dives right into a rock beat with some great hooks. Ash is at her best here, and the video mixing elements of horror and sexuality, which is where they are at their best. This song, perhaps the best on the album, really captures that perfectly. You can see the video at end of this review.

At a low price, Epidemic is a great way to introduce new fans to what this band is about. It's also an excellent way to please their already established fans until a new full length album comes out.

**** out of *****

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In Memory of Texas Chainsaw's Marilyn Burns and Astarte's Tristessa

This week marked the passing of two very different but nonetheless beautiful and talented blonde ladies: legendary scream queen Marilyn Burns and black metal signer Tristessa. Both, made me unbelievably sad. I will honor then both here.

The lovely Marilyn Burns was born on May 7, 1949 in Erie, Penn. She made her acting debut in her most famous and beloved role that of Sally Hardesty in Tobe Hooper's classic The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. In that film, she proved to be, along with the original King Kong's Fay Wray, the greatest screamer in the history of horror. Her realistic portrayal of her character in what, to me, is the scariest movie ever made, raised her to icon status.

Other memorable roles she played include playing Linda Kasabian in TV mini-series Helter Skelter, a role in the mediocre sci-fi horror film Future Kill (where is was reunited with fellow TCM cast member Edwin Neil), and cameos in both the awful The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation  and Texas Chainsaw 3D.

She passed away this Tues at age 65 at her home in Houston, Texas. I read this sad news while I was at a live taping of TNA/ Impact wrestling in NYC. I was in state in disbelief. I never had the pleasure of meeting her, but she will forever live my heart and memories, as well as those of all other horror fans, for TCM.

Maria "Tristessa" Kolokouri was the vocalist of Greek black metal band Astarte. She just passed away today due to complications from leukemia. She had been battling it for a very long and difficult time. I, myself, only heard about her condition several months ago. I was deeply saddened to know this. Though, I hoped she would pull through it. When, I got the news this morning via someone commenting me back in response to my hopeful comment on YouTube, I was devastated. I almost cried, quiet frankly.

After all, I was a huge fan of the band. I got into them around 2007 when they released what would be their fifth and final album the awesome Demonized (which I ranked in my on-going best album covers of all time). They were to enter the studio in 2013 to work on their next album Blackdemonuim.

The band's name is named after the goddess of fertility, beauty, and war. I was a huge fan of theirs and really always felt that they were criminally underrated. They had a very unique sound within the black metal world. To me, Tristessa (which means sadness in Spanish) was a black metal goddess; a stunning beauty with a multi-instrutment talent and breathtaking beauty. I absolutely loved her vocals. Even as I write this I am so very sad. I had the picture to the left on my MySpace, back in the day.

Her husband Nick Maiis has released the following statement regarding her passing:

"Maria, she's left from this world.
"You are leaving a lot behind and my soul is in pain.
"You are a special person, you are my wife. I will always adore you, our son and everybody that they love you. I will always honor you and you will never be forgotten.
"Until we meet again, my love, I will kiss you from inside of my soul."

I've had Demonized  one since I turned on my laptop. Here are some choice songs of theirs:

The following song is one of the most beautiful in the history of black metal:

Here Shagrath of Dimmu Borgir joins them for an amazing track off of Sirens:

Here is a KILLER cover of my all time favorite Accept song:

May both these amazing women RIP. They are already so very deeply missed already.

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Hot Asian Girl of the Month: Minnie Scarlet

All pictures are from their respective owners.

 

The first month of summer is here! OK, I realize summer, itself, doesn't start until later in the month, but you get my drift. Anyway, the point is it's gonna get hot soon (it might already be where you are at)! And, it's about to get really hot with my pick for the Hot Asian Girl of the Month, the gorgeous: Minnie Scarlet!!!

Minnie is a model and actress. She's been doing adult work for more than 2 years.

Despite the nature of my blog, it's been a long time since I have had someone from the adult biz be an honored with the Hot Asian Girl of the Month stamp. But, look at how beautiful and sexy Minnie is! I'm sure we can all agree that she is a great choice!!

For those curious in the above pic, she is the one wearing glasses.

I LOVE her Powerpuff Girl tattoo on her shoulder! It's so fucking cool! 

This video from her Vimeo channel, and it made my day. I am sure it will make your morning/ noon/ afternoon/ night/ whatever the fuck time it is when you are reading this:



Minnie is just so incredibly gorgeous!! She has a beautiful face, beautiful, almond eyes, nice boobs, a great ass, an incredible body, and tattoos!! Beautiful Asian girls with tattoos are a gift from heaven, in my book! I hope that this post gets her even more fans than she already has. She is simply amazing!

 
 

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Sequels, Alexis Amore & TITS, and Kayden Kross and a Goblin!

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Pantera- Vulgar Display of Power Reissued & Still Ruling the Metal World

 

Pantera's masterpiece Vulgar Display of Power got reissued in a deluxe 20th anniversary edition recently, and it sold 9,000 copies in its' first week of being rereleased. This landed it at the 48th place in the Billboard 200. That's more than double that that of the reissue of the preceeding album, Cowboys from Hell. I heard this news via Duff's Brooklyn Facebook who posted a link to this post from Blabbermouth: http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=174388   

Vulgar Display of Power is considered a metal classic and rightfully. It's thought by many, myself included, the best album from the band. They were one of the few metal bands to see huge success in a era that shunned the genre. The fact that this album was so damn heavy, and that each following album was even heavier, only made that success that much sweeter. The band's crunching mix of thrash metal, hardcore, and a killer groove gave us groove metal. They would influence many other bands who dabbled in nu-metal, groove metal, and metalcore. None of these bands, even the best of, though could touch the power of the mighty Pantera. 

I got the album, then on tape, back in the 90s when I was in high school.  And, it simply blew me away. It was heavy, aggressive, and fucking badass. It made me wanna break shit and mosh all over the place, most of all on the bus I took to school. Pantera became along with Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax one of my five favorite bands of all time. This is where they remain to this day. Their music was so important to my life. Admit ably I went through some hard times in high school, college, and in some of the early years of my post-college life. Yet, their music always gave me energy and power. Even when I felt like shit, they were one of the bands that I could count on to get me pumped. For that reason along, my connection to the band is extremely deep. 

When Dimebag was tragically killed in December 8, 2004, it saddened me greatly. I cried. Shit, even writing this brings back some of those feelings. I wrote a letter to Revolver magazine, which got printed expressing my sadness and my deep love for him and Pantera.

The reissuee proves that this album has not lost any of it's power despite the many bands that have ripped-off the Pantera groove and sound. It's still heavy and killer as fuck. Aside from the classic album, with such ferocious classic tracks as "Walk", "This Love", "Fucking Hostile", and "Mouth of War" (my all time favorite Pantera track), it comes with the never before released track "Piss". Unlike many never before released tracks that are kind of lame, this one is totally killer!! There are also some live videos on a DVD, as well as the three videos made for the album. 

Pantera and Vulgar Display of Power fucking rule. And, if you need to be reminded then hear ya go:

I would like to also take this time to wish you all a safe and fun long Memorial Day Weekend. And, to not forget the true meaning of it, either. As, we should always remember and be thankful for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us.

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The 10 Best Gore Scenes of All Time

My latest article for best-horror-movies.com has me picking the top 10 gore scenes. And, yes as the graphic says they include video. Very graphic videos! Enjoy it here: http://ossuary.best-horror-movies.com/m/news/view/24277/The-10-Best-Gore-Scenes-of-All-Time

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Bleeding Through's Marta Peterson Is a Metal Goddess

Earlier today, I finally got around to hearing the new Bleeding Through album The Great Fire, and I really liked it. I think it is considerably better than their last album, the self titled one. While, I liked that one, I always thought it lacked something. This new though, is heavy and brutal, but yet with the right amount of melody. Bleeding Through, one of my utmost favorite, if not in fact favorite, metalcore bands are back in form. And, so I do think it's time for me to show love to their impossibly beautiful goth metal goddess and keyboardist: Marta Peterson!

The stunning Miss. Peterson joined Bleeding Through in 2003 replacing Molly Street on keyboards. It's the keyboards that really set Bleeding Through apart from the rest of the metalcore set, as it adds a black metal influence. In particular, with Marta who is a black metal fan herself. Another reason to be in love with her!!

I really became a fan of the band after the amazing The Truth album, which saw the keyboards really bought out. They took far more advantage of Marta's musical talents and in doing so they had one of 2007's best albums.

This video is actually my favorite song from that album. Yes, I realize it's a ballad but so what?! It's a great fucking song, with great lyrics. And, Marta looks fucking stunning in it.


I actually saw them perform at Ozzfest that year. Not only were they fucking killer onstage, but she is even more beautiful in person. I was floored by how sexy and gorgeous she looked. I started, like a dorky little fool, to scream, "I love you Marta!" But hey, what I can say? I really do love her!

And, I am not the only one. Marta has many times been declared, deservedly so, as one of the hottest women in metal. In fact, she's been on Revolver's Hottest Chicks in Hard Rock cover twice. The first one with the beautiful Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil and the second one with the sexy Kat Von D.

My favorite album of theirs is their next one: Declaration. From that album comes this video which Beavis and Butthead would no doubt approve as it has kick ass metal, fire, and Marta's cleavage!!


Marta, though, has recently broken many a metalhead's heart by getting engaged with Machine Head guitarist Phil Demmel. Lucky dude! Give me some time, as I cry to myself...
OK, I'm back. Marta's beautiful blue eyes, pale, white skin, gorgeous, jet black, long hair, amazing, natural cleavage, and great legs make her a stunning vision of goth perfection. Add her love for metal and her playing so well in such a kick ass band, and you have someone who cannot be called anything less than a metal goddess!!!

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